1990s Politics
Nelson Mandela
Bill Clinton reigned supreme throughout most of the decade (1993-2001). Scandals? Who could forget Monica Lewinsky and the infamous blue dress? Top issues included healthcare reform, gun control, and debates about "don't ask, don't tell." Clinton took over for #41 George H.W. Bush (1989-1993), who navigated the end of the Cold War, led the U.S. during the Gulf War, and negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
On the other side of the table was Boris Yeltsin. As the first President of the Russian Federation (1991-1999), Yeltsin oversaw the country's transition from a communist system to a market economy, with mixed results. His leadership during the 1991 coup attempt and his role in ending the Soviet Union contributed to his political legacy.
The 1990s marked the end of apartheid. The first black president of South Africa (1994-1999), Nelson Mandela played a pivotal role in dismantling the apartheid system and fostering national reconciliation. His commitment to democracy and social justice made him an iconic global figure.
Other notable politicians of the decade included Prime Minister Tony Blair of the UK (1997-2007), Helmut Kohl Chancellor of Germany (1982-1998), and Jiang Zemin General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (1989-2002).
1990s Business and Technology
The development of the internet and related technologies spurred growth in sectors such as software, telecommunications, and computing. The dot-com boom created new job opportunities, drove up the stock market, and contributed to overall economic expansion. The World Wide Web made its debut in the 1990s, and cell phones went from bricks to flip phones. Top-selling gadgets included the Nintendo 64, the Sony PlayStation, and the PalmPilot.
Microsoft dominated the decade, led by CEO Bill Gates, who was also the richest person, boasting a net worth of around $90 billion. As for the fastest-growing company, let's give a round of applause to Amazon.com led by Jeff Bezos. In 1994, Bezos founded Amazon as an online bookstore. As the company grew, it expanded into other categories, eventually becoming an e-commerce giant. Bezos' visionary leadership propelled Amazon into one of the most valuable companies in the world.
Apple and Steve Jobs also made headlines this decade. After being ousted from Apple in 1985, Jobs returned in 1997 and eventually became the CEO. He steered the company towards creating groundbreaking products like the iMac, which set the stage for Apple's future success. Other tech companies like eBay and Yahoo also started this decade.
Apart from technology companies, General Electric was a juggernaut of the time. Their CEO Jack Welch’s aggressive management style saw General Electric's value grow exponentially during his tenure as CEO. Welch was known for streamlining operations and cutting costs. Other notable companies that expanded in this decade include Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Time-Warner and Viacom.
TV, Movies, and Music of the 1990s
Movies: Titanic, Jurassic Park, and The Lion King ruled the 1990s box office. Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, and Tom Hanks were the talk of Tinseltown. Jim Carrey's "Alrighty then!" and Jerry Maguire's "Show me the money!" were catchphrase gold.
TV: The 1990s treasure trove of iconic television shows that captured the hearts and minds of audiences. Sitcoms like "Friends" and "Seinfeld" became cultural phenomena. At the same time, "The Simpsons" set records for its longevity and razor-sharp satire. The decade also saw the rise of dramas such as "ER".
Music: 1990s music endures, even today on classic rock channels. Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill" and Nirvana's "Nevermind" were album juggernauts. Boy bands, grunge, and hip-hop ruled the airwaves with artists like Britney Spears, *NSYNC, and Tupac Shakur.
1990s Slang Terms
Source: turtlepedia.fandom.com
The 1990s brought with it a variety of popular slang terms that captured the essence of the decade. Here's a list of some of the most memorable phrases:
- As if! - A phrase used to express disbelief or dismiss a statement as ridiculous, popularized by the movie Clueless.
- Talk to the hand - A dismissive phrase telling someone to stop talking or that you're not listening.
- All that and a bag of chips - Describing something or someone as being better than great or outstanding.
- Fly - Used to describe something or someone as cool, stylish, or attractive.
- Boo ya! - An exclamation of triumph, success, or excitement.
- Cowabunga - A term expressing excitement or approval, popularized by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
- Dude - A casual term of address for a male, sometimes also used for females.
- Phat - An adjective meaning cool, excellent, or attractive; not to be confused with "fat."
- Da bomb - Describing something as excellent or the best of its kind.
- Buggin' - Reacting in an irrational or crazy manner, or worrying excessively about something.
- Home skillet - A term of endearment for a close friend or buddy.
- Word - An affirmative response, similar to saying "I agree" or "exactly."
- Wack - Describing something as being of poor quality, uncool, or crazy.
- Whatever/whatevs - A dismissive phrase used to express indifference or disbelief, often accompanied by a hand gesture (forming a "W" with the fingers).
- Tight - Describing something as cool, great, or well-executed.
Sports of the 1990s
The Chicago Bulls, New York Yankees, and Dallas Cowboys dominated the professional ranks. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Mike Tyson became household names.
Basketball: The Chicago Bulls dominated the decade by winning six championships (1991-1993, 1996-1998). This extraordinary success was largely due to the iconic duo of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Meanwhile, other prominent players from the 1990s, such as Utah Jazz's Karl Malone and John Stockton, and Houston Rockets' Hakeem Olajuwon, showcased their exceptional skills on the court.
Baseball: The decade witnessed the rise of iconic players like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Derek Jeter. Notable events, such as the thrilling 1998 home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, captivated fans across the nation and reinvigorated the sport after the 1994 players' strike. The NY Yankees won 3 World Series titles in 1996, 1998, and 1999.
Football: The Dallas Cowboys dominated the decade by winning three Super Bowls (Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX), led by the iconic "Triplets": quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin. Other star players who left their mark during this time include San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Steve Young, Green Bay Packers' quarterback Brett Favre, and Detroit Lions' running back Barry Sanders. Check out our free NFL Coloring Pages.
College Sports: In college football, the Florida State Seminoles and the Nebraska Cornhuskers each won three national championships during the decade, featuring star players like Florida State's Warrick Dunn and Nebraska's Tommie Frazier. College basketball saw the Duke Blue Devils and the Kentucky Wildcats dominate, with both teams capturing two championships each, bolstered by standout players such as Duke's Grant Hill and Kentucky's Antoine Walker.
Soccer: Brazil emerged as the most successful national team, winning the 1994 FIFA World Cup and finishing as runners-up in 1998. Iconic players such as Brazil's Ronaldo, France's Zinedine Zidane, and Argentina's Diego Maradona left indelible impressions on the sport during this decade, showcasing their unparalleled skills and propelling soccer to even greater heights of popularity worldwide. See our World Cup coloring sheets.
Cars, Food, and Fashion of the 1990s
Much like today, The Ford F-Series, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry were America's favorites. Unlike today, hybrids and electric cars were nowhere to be found.
Food in the 1990s was fairly similar to today as well, with some exceptions. McDonald's, Subway, and Starbucks were the kings of the fast food chains. As for popular grub at home? Hot Pockets, Lunchables, Eggo waffles, and Geno’s pizza rolls.
1990s Fashion was tight son! Women rocked babydoll dresses and butterfly clips, while men sported grunge flannels and baggy jeans. Kids loved the Spice Girls' platform sneakers. Popular hairstyles included "The Rachel" and frosted tips. Nike, Gap, and Tommy Hilfiger were the go-to brands.
World Leaders and Major Events of the 90s
Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, and Bill Clinton were among the decade's most influential figures. The United States, China, and Japan flexed their global power, while significant events included the fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of apartheid in South Africa, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The O.J. Simpson trial, Princess Diana's tragic death, and the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal had everyone talking.
Leaders like Billy Graham and Pope John Paul II held the world's spiritual attention. While the Gulf War and Kosovo conflict were the wars of the decade.
US Demographics and Health Trends in the 1990s
Around 281 million Americans were living in the 1990s (vs. 330M today). About 12% were Black, 11% Hispanic, and 4% Asian. Immigration was on the rise with roughly 14 million immigrants entering the U.S., mostly from Mexico. The Leading cause of death was Heart disease and health scares included Mad cow disease and "Flesh-Eating" bacteria.
1990s FAQs
Q: Who was President of the US in the 1990s?
Q: Which team won the most World Series in the 1990s?
Q: Which team won the most NBA championships in the 1990s?
Q: Which team won the most Superbowls in the 1990s?
Q: Who was the first black leader of South Africa?
Q: What was the top-selling album of the 1990s?
Q: What movie had the biggest box office sales of the 1990s?
Q: What was the most popular TV show of the 1990s?
Q: What was the biggest company in the US in the 1990s?
Q: What was the most popular fast food chain in the 1990s?
Q: What wars took place during the 1990s?
Q: What did fashionable women wear in the 1990s?
Q: What is the 1990s known for?
Q: Who was the biggest celebrity of the 1990s?
Q: What did teenagers do for fun in the 1990s?
Q: What were some popular slang terms used in the 1990s?
Q: Who were some of the most popular musical artists of the 1990s?
Q: Which dance crazes were popular in the 1990s?
Q: What were some popular toys and games from the 1990s?
Q: Which cartoons were popular in the 1990s?
Q: What were the most popular fashion trends for men in the 1990s?
Q: What was the most-watched television event of the 1990s?
Q: Which 1990s sitcom popularized the phrase "How you doin'?"
Q: What was a popular hairstyle for women in the 1990s?
Q: What were some popular reality TV shows from the 1990s?
A: George H.W. Bush (1989-1993) and Bill Clinton (1993-2001) were the U.S. Presidents during the 1990s.
A: The New York Yankees won the most World Series titles in the 1990s, with championships in 1996, 1998, and 1999.
A: The Chicago Bulls won the most NBA championships in the 1990s, securing six titles (1991-1993, 1996-1998).
A: The Dallas Cowboys won the most Super Bowls in the 1990s, capturing three titles (Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX).
A: Nelson Mandela was the first black leader of South Africa, serving as President from 1994 to 1999.
A: Shania Twain's "Come On Over" album, released in 1997, sold approximately 20 million copies in the US by the end of the 1990s. Today, the album has sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling country album of all time and one of the best-selling albums overall.
A: "Titanic" (1997) had the biggest box office sales of the 1990s.
A: "Friends" was one of the most popular TV shows of the 1990s.
A: Microsoft was one of the biggest and most influential companies in the US during the 1990s.
A: McDonald's was the most popular fast food chain in the 1990s.
A: The Gulf War (1990-1991) and the Bosnian War (1992-1995) were some of the significant conflicts during the 1990s.
A: In the 1990s, fashionable women often wore items such as slip dresses, chokers, crop tops, high-waisted jeans, and platform shoes.
A: The 1990s is known for its diverse pop culture, economic growth, technological advancements, and memorable fashion trends.
A: It's difficult to pinpoint a single biggest celebrity, but some notable figures from the 1990s include Michael Jordan, Madonna, and Brad Pitt.
A: Teenagers in the 1990s enjoyed activities such as going to the mall, watching movies, attending concerts, playing video games, and socializing at parties.
A: Some popular slang terms from the 1990s include "As if!", "Talk to the hand", "All that and a bag of chips", "Boo ya!", and "Cowabunga".
A: Some popular artists from the 1990s include Nirvana, Tupac Shakur, Britney Spears, Spice Girls, and Pearl Jam.
A: Some popular dance crazes from the 1990s include the Macarena, the Electric Slide, the Running Man, and the Tootsee Roll.
A: Some popular toys and games from the 1990s include Beanie Babies, Tamagotchis, Pokémon, Furby, and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
A: Popular cartoons from the 1990s include "Rugrats", "Hey Arnold!", "Dexter's Laboratory", "Animaniacs", and "The Powerpuff Girls".
A: Some popular fashion trends for men in the 1990s include baggy jeans, plaid flannel shirts, backwards baseball caps, and cargo pants.
A: The most-watched television event of the 1990s was the series finale of the sitcom "Seinfeld," which aired in 1998 and attracted over 76 million viewers.
A: The sitcom "Friends" popularized the catchphrase "How you doin'?", spoken by the character Joey Tribbiani, played by Matt LeBlanc.
A: The "Rachel" haircut, named after Jennifer Aniston's character Rachel Green on "Friends", was a popular hairstyle for women in the 1990s.
A: Some popular reality TV shows from the 1990s include "The Real World", "Road Rules", and "Survivor".
